Import from Vietnam to the US
Quick Overview
Import from Vietnam to the US using FCL shipping, LCL shipping or air freight. Major gateways include Ho Chi Minh City, Cai Mep, Haiphong, Tan Son Nhat and Noi Bai. Costs and transit times depend on the route, cargo and carrier capacity.
Freight Shipping from Vietnam to the United States
Vietnam is a major US trading partner and manufacturing center for electronics, furniture, clothing, footwear, machinery, consumer goods, seafood and agricultural products.
US goods imports from Vietnam totaled approximately $193.8 billion in 2025. Regular ocean and air services connect Vietnam’s main industrial regions with ports, airports and distribution centers across the United States.
Importers can review additional route information on the Vietnam-to-US freight trade lane.
Available shipping services include:
- Full Container Load shipping
- Less than Container Load shipping
- Air freight
- Air express
- Port-to-port transportation
- Door-to-port transportation
- Door-to-door transportation
- Customs clearance
- Inland delivery within the United States
The right shipping method depends on cargo volume, product value, dimensions, delivery deadline and final destination.
Choose the Right Shipping Method
| Shipping Method | Best For | Main Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| FCL ocean freight | Large or regular shipments | Exclusive use of a container |
| LCL ocean freight | Smaller commercial shipments | Pay for the space used |
| Air freight | Urgent or valuable cargo | Faster international transportation |
| Air express | Samples and small urgent shipments | Rapid door-to-door delivery |
| Door-to-door shipping | Coordinated international delivery | One plan from supplier to destination |
FCL Shipping from Vietnam
Full Container Load shipping is generally suitable when an importer has enough cargo to use most or all of a container. The container is assigned to one shipper, reducing cargo handling compared with consolidated shipping.
Common equipment options include:
- 20-foot dry containers
- 40-foot dry containers
- 40-foot high-cube containers
- Refrigerated containers
- Open-top containers
- Flat-rack containers
FCL is commonly used for furniture, machinery, textiles, footwear, electronics, consumer goods and regular inventory shipments.
It may also be suitable for cargo that benefits from reduced handling or separation from other shipments.
LCL Shipping from Vietnam
Less than Container Load shipping allows multiple importers to share container capacity. Each importer pays for the space occupied by their cargo.
LCL is commonly used for:
- Commercial shipments that do not fill a container
- Product samples and initial orders
- Replacement parts
- Regular low-volume inventory
- Palletized goods
- Mixed product orders
LCL pricing is generally based on cargo volume, weight, route and local handling requirements.
Importers should compare origin, consolidation, destination, deconsolidation and final delivery charges in addition to the base ocean freight rate.
Cargo must be properly packed and labeled because it will be handled during consolidation and deconsolidation.
Air Freight from Vietnam
Air freight services from Vietnam are commonly used for electronics, components, garments, samples, replacement parts, medical products and other urgent or valuable cargo.
Available service levels may include:
- Airport-to-airport
- Door-to-airport
- Airport-to-door
- Door-to-door
- Priority air freight
- Consolidated air freight
Air freight pricing is based primarily on chargeable weight. The carrier compares the shipment’s actual weight with its dimensional weight and normally charges whichever is higher.
Products containing batteries, chemicals, liquids, magnets or other regulated materials must be declared accurately and may require special packaging and documentation.
Air Express from Vietnam
Air express shipping from Vietnam can be suitable for samples, documents, prototypes, eCommerce orders, small components and time-critical shipments.
Express services normally combine air transportation, customs processing, tracking and last-mile delivery.
Importers should confirm whether the quote includes:
- Supplier collection
- Export handling
- Air transportation
- Customs brokerage
- Duties and taxes
- Final delivery
- Remote-area charges
Air express can be convenient for small shipments, but the cost can rise significantly as weight and dimensions increase.
Main Shipping Origins in Vietnam
Cargo can be collected from manufacturing and commercial centers throughout Vietnam, including:
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Hanoi
- Hai Phong
- Da Nang
- Binh Duong
- Dong Nai
- Bac Ninh
- Hai Duong
- Long An
- Ba Ria-Vung Tau
- Can Tho
- Quang Ninh
Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, Dong Nai and Long An form an important manufacturing and distribution region in southern Vietnam.
Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hai Duong and Hai Phong support major electronics, machinery, textile and industrial supply chains in northern Vietnam.
The best departure gateway depends on the supplier’s location, cargo type, carrier schedule, equipment availability and US destination.
Main Ocean Freight Ports in Vietnam
Port of Ho Chi Minh City
The Port of Ho Chi Minh City serves Vietnam’s largest commercial and manufacturing region. Its terminal network includes Cat Lai and other facilities connected to factories and warehouses across southern Vietnam.
Common exports include furniture, textiles, garments, footwear, electronics, plastics, food products and consumer goods.
Some long-haul cargo may move by barge or truck to deep-water terminals in the Cai Mep-Thi Vai area.
Port of Cai Mep
The Port of Cai Mep is a major deep-water container gateway in southern Vietnam. It serves Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Ba Ria-Vung Tau and nearby industrial regions.
Its deep-water terminals support long-haul container services to the United States and other global markets.
Cai Mep is commonly used for electronics, furniture, garments, footwear, machinery, plastics, refrigerated goods and general commercial cargo.
Port of Hai Phong
The Port of Hai Phong is the principal maritime gateway for northern Vietnam. It serves Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hai Duong, Quang Ninh and northern manufacturing zones.
The Hai Phong port system includes terminals in the Lach Huyen deep-water area, which can accommodate larger container vessels and additional international services.
Common cargo includes electronics, machinery, textiles, garments, furniture, automotive components and consumer products.
Port of Cai Lan
The Port of Cai Lan is located in Quang Ninh Province and serves cargo moving through northern Vietnam.
It handles containerized cargo, general cargo, bulk products, industrial equipment and project shipments. Its suitability depends on the supplier’s location, carrier service and cargo requirements.
Port of Da Nang
The Port of Da Nang serves central Vietnam and provides access to manufacturing, agricultural and commercial regions around Da Nang and neighboring provinces.
It handles containers, machinery, consumer products, food, seafood, agricultural goods and general commercial cargo.
Main Air Freight Airports in Vietnam
Importers can use the iContainers airports directory to explore international air cargo gateways and plan airport-to-airport or door-inclusive services.
Tan Son Nhat International Airport
Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City is a principal air cargo gateway for southern Vietnam.
It serves electronics manufacturers, garment suppliers, seafood exporters, eCommerce businesses and industrial companies across Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, Dong Nai and Long An.
Noi Bai International Airport
Noi Bai International Airport serves Hanoi and the manufacturing regions of northern Vietnam.
It is particularly relevant for electronics, components, telecommunications products, machinery, garments and urgent production materials originating around Hanoi, Bac Ninh and nearby industrial zones.
Da Nang International Airport
Da Nang International Airport supports air cargo moving to and from central Vietnam.
It can be used for seafood, agricultural products, garments, samples, consumer products and other time-sensitive shipments.
Cam Ranh International Airport
Cam Ranh International Airport provides another option for cargo originating in south-central Vietnam.
Available international cargo capacity and routings depend on airline schedules, cargo type and destination.
US Destination Ports and Delivery Areas
Ocean freight from Vietnam can arrive through major US gateways such as:
- Los Angeles
- Long Beach
- Oakland
- Seattle
- Tacoma
- New York and New Jersey
- Savannah
- Charleston
- Houston
- Norfolk
West Coast ports are frequently used for cargo destined for California and western US markets. East Coast and Gulf Coast services may reduce inland transportation for cargo destined for those regions.
After arrival, containers and consolidated freight can move inland by truck, rail or intermodal transportation.
Major US air cargo destinations include:
- Los Angeles International Airport
- San Francisco International Airport
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
- John F. Kennedy International Airport
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
The best gateway depends on carrier availability, customs facilities, inland transportation costs and proximity to the final delivery address.
How Long Does Shipping from Vietnam Take?
Transit time depends on the Vietnamese origin, US destination, carrier, route, transshipment requirements and customs process.
| Shipping Method | Typical Planning Range |
|---|---|
| Express air service | Approximately 2–6 days |
| Standard air freight | Approximately 3–8 days |
| Ocean freight to the US West Coast | Approximately 18–30 days port to port |
| Ocean freight to the US East Coast | Approximately 30–50 days port to port |
| Door-to-door ocean freight | Often 30–60 days or more |
These are planning estimates rather than guaranteed delivery times. Supplier readiness, terminal cutoffs, transshipment, vessel schedules, port congestion, customs examinations and inland delivery can affect the final timeline.
Use the transit time calculator to review estimates for a specific origin and destination.
How Much Does It Cost to Import from Vietnam?
Shipping costs are calculated for each shipment and can change based on capacity, fuel costs, seasonal demand and market conditions.
The main pricing factors include:
- Shipping method
- Cargo weight and dimensions
- Number and type of containers
- Supplier pickup location
- Port or airport of departure
- US destination
- Commodity and HS classification
- Origin handling charges
- Destination handling charges
- Customs clearance
- Duties, taxes and fees
- Inland transportation
- Storage or customs examination charges
- Cargo insurance
- Incoterm agreed with the supplier
Importers can use the ocean freight calculator to compare available FCL and LCL routes.
The complete transportation and import cost should be evaluated instead of the base freight rate alone.
Information Needed for a Freight Quote
Accurate information reduces the risk of rate adjustments and operational delays.
Descriptions such as “parts,” “goods,” “samples” or “consumer products” may not provide enough information for classification, quoting or compliance review.
How the Import Process Works
- Confirm the product, Vietnamese supplier and purchase terms.
- Determine the product’s HS classification and country of origin.
- Check US duties and product-specific requirements.
- Review any additional or trade-remedy duties.
- Select an Incoterm with the supplier.
- Compare FCL, LCL and air freight services.
- Request a quote using accurate cargo details.
- Book transportation and arrange supplier collection or delivery.
- Prepare the commercial and shipping documents.
- File the Importer Security Filing for applicable ocean shipments.
- Transport the cargo to the United States.
- Complete customs clearance and pay applicable duties.
- Arrange cargo recovery and final delivery.
Documents Needed to Import from Vietnam
Most commercial imports require:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or air waybill
- Arrival notice
- Customs entry documentation
- Importer of Record information
- Customs bond
- Importer Security Filing for applicable ocean shipments
- Country-of-origin information
- Product-specific certificates or permits
The commercial invoice should clearly state the buyer, seller, product description, quantity, price, currency, country of origin and Incoterm.
Additional documents may be required for electronics, batteries, food, seafood, furniture, wood products, textiles, footwear, chemicals, medical devices and regulated consumer products.
Importers can review the iContainers shipping documents guides for information about commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading and other freight documentation.
US Customs Clearance
Goods imported from Vietnam must be declared to US Customs and Border Protection. The Importer of Record is responsible for using reasonable care when reporting the product’s classification, customs value and country of origin.
Customs clearance may include:
- Reviewing commercial documents
- Confirming the HTS classification
- Determining customs value
- Verifying the country of origin
- Identifying applicable duties
- Filing the customs entry
- Coordinating with government agencies
- Responding to document requests
- Managing customs inspections
- Paying duties, taxes and fees
- Obtaining cargo release
A customs broker can prepare and transmit the entry, but the importer remains responsible for the accuracy of the information supplied.
The iContainers guide to customs clearance explains the general process, required documents and common causes of delays.
Importer Security Filing
An Importer Security Filing is generally required for cargo entering the United States by ocean vessel. Required information must be submitted according to CBP deadlines before the goods are loaded.
Importers should provide shipment and supplier information to their broker or freight forwarder early enough to complete the filing. Late, missing or inaccurate filings may result in penalties, inspections or delays.
ISF requirements generally do not apply to standard air freight shipments. The ISF filing guide provides additional information about the required data and filing timeline.
Duties and Tariffs for Imports from Vietnam
There is no single duty rate for all products imported from Vietnam. The amount payable can depend on:
- HTS classification
- Customs value
- Country of origin
- Current reciprocal or additional tariff measures
- Applicable Chapter 99 provisions
- Product-specific treatment
- Antidumping or countervailing duty orders
- Merchandise processing fees
- Harbor maintenance fees for applicable ocean cargo
US tariff policies affecting Vietnamese-origin products can change. Importers should verify the current Harmonized Tariff Schedule and Chapter 99 requirements before ordering or shipping goods.
The standard tariff rate and any additional measures should be included when calculating the product’s landed cost.
Country of Origin and Transshipment
Shipping goods from Vietnam does not automatically establish Vietnamese origin. The country of origin depends on where the product was manufactured or substantially transformed.
Goods produced in another country and moved through Vietnam without sufficient manufacturing may retain their original country of origin.
Importers should retain documentation supporting:
- Manufacturer identity and address
- Factory location
- Production activities performed in Vietnam
- Raw material and component origins
- Bills of materials
- Purchase orders
- Production records
- Transportation records
- Export declarations
- Supplier origin statements
Incorrect origin declarations can lead to additional duties, cargo detention, penalties or enforcement action.
Antidumping and Countervailing Duties
Certain Vietnamese products may be covered by antidumping or countervailing duty proceedings or orders. These duties are separate from ordinary customs tariffs and can be significantly higher.
Products that may require additional review include specific:
- Steel and aluminum products
- Furniture and wood products
- Solar products
- Tires
- Textiles
- Chemicals
- Industrial materials
- Manufactured components
Applicability depends on the precise merchandise and the scope of the relevant order. The supplier’s proposed tariff code alone may not determine whether an order applies.
Country-of-Origin Marking
Most imported products must be marked with their country of origin unless a legal exception applies. Vietnamese-origin products are commonly marked “Made in Vietnam” or “Product of Vietnam.”
Marking must generally be legible, conspicuous and sufficiently permanent for the product.
The shipping port, seller’s address or location where the goods were packed does not necessarily determine the legal country of origin.
Product Compliance Requirements
Customs release does not establish that a product meets every US safety or regulatory requirement. Depending on the commodity, compliance may involve agencies such as:
- Food and Drug Administration
- Consumer Product Safety Commission
- Federal Communications Commission
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Department of Transportation
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Department of Agriculture
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
- Fish and Wildlife Service
Importers should confirm applicable testing, labeling, certification, registration and permit requirements before production or shipment.
Importing Furniture and Wood Products from Vietnam
Vietnam is a major source of furniture, cabinets, wood products and home furnishings.
Importers should verify:
- Wood species
- Source of the wood
- Country of harvest
- Product construction
- Packaging materials
- Fumigation or treatment requirements
- Lacey Act declaration requirements
- Potential antidumping or countervailing duties
- Formaldehyde or consumer safety requirements where applicable
Wood packaging materials should comply with applicable treatment and marking requirements.
Importing Textiles and Footwear from Vietnam
Textiles, garments and footwear require clear product descriptions and accurate classification.
Importers should confirm:
- Fiber content
- Garment construction
- Intended user
- Product type
- Gender or age category where relevant
- Country-of-origin labels
- Care labels
- Manufacturer information
- Applicable consumer safety requirements
Small differences in fabric content or product construction can change the HTS classification and duty rate.
Importing Electronics from Vietnam
Electronics imported from Vietnam may require additional compliance review.
Before shipping, importers should confirm:
- Accurate product descriptions
- Correct HTS classifications
- Manufacturer and origin details
- FCC requirements for radio-frequency devices
- Battery specifications
- Transport documents for lithium batteries
- Safety testing and certification
- Energy-efficiency requirements where applicable
High-value electronics may benefit from air freight, secure handling, tracking and cargo insurance.
Importing Food and Seafood from Vietnam
Food and seafood products may require FDA registration, prior notice, labeling, sanitary documentation and product-specific permits.
Importers should confirm requirements before the goods leave Vietnam. Cargo can be delayed or refused if the manufacturer, facility, product or shipment does not meet applicable US regulations.
Refrigerated and frozen products also require suitable packaging, temperature settings and cold-chain planning.
Incoterms for Imports from Vietnam
Incoterms determine how transportation costs, responsibilities and risks are divided between the buyer and seller.
EXW
Under Ex Works, the buyer assumes responsibility from the supplier’s premises. The importer may need to arrange collection, export handling and transportation within Vietnam.
EXW can provide greater transportation control but requires careful coordination of origin services and export documentation.
FOB
Under Free on Board, the supplier generally handles the cargo until it is loaded aboard the vessel at the named Vietnamese port. The buyer arranges the principal ocean freight and destination services.
Importers should confirm which factory-to-port and terminal charges are included in the supplier’s FOB price.
FCA
Free Carrier can be used when the supplier delivers the goods to a named carrier or facility. It is commonly suitable for air freight and containerized shipments.
The agreed delivery location should be clearly stated in the purchase contract.
CIF
Under Cost, Insurance and Freight, the supplier arranges ocean transportation and insurance to the named destination port.
The buyer usually remains responsible for destination charges, customs clearance and final delivery. Importers should request a clear breakdown of destination charges before accepting a CIF offer.
DDP
Delivered Duty Paid places extensive responsibility on the seller. The US buyer should verify who will act as Importer of Record and how classification, valuation, origin, duties and regulatory compliance will be managed.
Common Cargo Imported from Vietnam
Common imports include:
- Electronics and electrical equipment
- Computers and components
- Furniture and home furnishings
- Clothing and textiles
- Footwear
- Machinery and industrial equipment
- Toys and sporting goods
- Plastics and plastic products
- Rubber products
- Automotive components
- Seafood
- Coffee
- Cashews and other agricultural products
- Bags and travel goods
- Tools and hardware
- Consumer products
Cargo containing batteries, chemicals, liquids, food products or other regulated materials must be declared accurately and may require special handling.
Cargo Insurance
Carrier liability is limited and may not cover the full commercial value of lost or damaged goods. Cargo insurance can provide broader protection during ocean, air and inland transportation.
Insurance is particularly relevant for electronics, machinery, furniture, fragile goods and high-value shipments.
Importers should review the insured value, covered risks, exclusions and claims process before shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Confirm the supplier and product, determine the correct HTS classification and origin, review duties and product requirements, select an Incoterm, book freight, prepare the required documents and complete US customs clearance.
The cost depends on the shipping method, cargo dimensions, weight, origin, destination and carrier capacity. Customs clearance, duties, handling and delivery charges should also be included.
Air freight normally takes several days, while ocean freight takes several weeks. The complete door-to-door timeline also includes cargo preparation, export handling, customs clearance and inland delivery.
Yes, depending on the product. The final amount may include the standard HTS duty, current additional tariff measures and any applicable antidumping or countervailing duties.
Yes, provided the manufacturer, product, labeling and shipment meet applicable FDA and other agency requirements.
Yes, but some electronic products require FCC authorization, safety testing, energy-efficiency compliance or battery documentation.
Yes. Importers should verify the wood species, product construction, origin, Lacey Act requirements, treatment requirements and possible trade-remedy duties.
References
- USTR: Vietnam Trade Summary
- International Trade Administration: Vietnam Country Commercial Guide
- CBP: Basic Importing and Exporting
- USITC: Harmonized Tariff Schedule
- International Trade Administration: Antidumping and Countervailing Duties
- FDA: Importing Products Regulated by the FDA
- CPSC: Import Safety
- FCC: Equipment Authorization
